Apple's second-gen iPod nano off to slow start?

Citing initial channel checks, analysts at Baird U.S. Equity Research are reporting that there appears to be muted demand for Apple Computer's second-generation iPod nano so far, which could have negative implications for NAND flash pricing.

"We believe Apple did not meet its NAND flash order schedule this month," analyst Tristan Gerra wrote in a note to SanDisk investors on Monday.

"While it is difficult to assess the performance of the new nano product family as Apple retailers have been directed to not comment about the iPod's sales performance, the initial feedback we are receiving from industry sources suggests nano volumes are not as strong as in the same period a year ago, which we do not view as a surprise given the new nano offering's lack of new feature set besides higher density."

Gerra further stated that he expects the mix of the black 8GB iPod nano to represent significantly less than 50 percent of iPod maker's total iPod nano units in during the fourth calendar quarter of the year, which could hold negative implications for NAND flash pricing.

"These two dynamics lead us to believe NAND spot flash pricing could peak in October, earlier than expected," he added.

Still, it should be noted that Gerra's previous reports on Apple and its plans for the iPod nano were not particularly accurate.

In July, the analyst backed other Wall Street analysts in saying Apple's second-generation iPod nano would see an approximate 2-month delay that would prevent the players from making their way to market until some time this November.

To be honest, I saw some of the new Nanos the other day, and I really didn't like them. They just felt too feminine, and the bright colours made them look like pre-school toys. The older Nano looked better crafted IMO.

To be honest, I saw some of the new Nanos the other day, and I really didn't like them. They just felt too feminine, and the bright colours made them look like pre-school toys. The older Nano looked better crafted IMO.

I agree, and many of my friends agree as well.

The colors are rather gaudy for most men (and a lot of women as well). I think they need to rethink their color palate.

I bought a Silver 2gig. I love it so much more than the last ones. The screen seems a bit more solid, the battery life is no competition, and I LOVE the aluminum enclosure. I waited all this time for the 2nd gen to come out for my Nike+ stuff. I could have purchased a 2gig 1st gen iPod nano for 99 from the apple store, but I chose to go with the 2nd gen because OF the new features... more battery life, cool enclosure, stronger screen, and brighter screen! I'm happy I got the 2nd gen.

I know a few people that have already bought them as well. I also feel it's much better for execise with the aluminum enclosure. I feel this nano was for everyone that doesn't have a nano or has a broken nano.

I LOVE blue in general. And I'm not a fan of the blue color they offered on the iPod nano. I kinda agree the colors are a little too pastel looking for me. But I like the looks of the black and silver ones.

The new Nano may be a huge improvement in terms of make and quality, but to the public eye, there's nothing new at all about it. It looks just like the mini, which was released quite awhile ago, and offers no new features other than hard drive space and battery life, which are good but not exciting.

If Apple really wanted to make a splash with this, they would have come up with a new design and picked some new colors -- as it is, it just seems like "been there, done that," especially when having an iPod is already old hat.

I think the new nano is a huge improvement. I was planning on getting one until they dropped prices on the iPod with video.

I wonder if nano sales are a bit lower just because more people are going with the pricier ones instead? And don't forget, Apple just did a big promotion for students that just ended, along with discontinuing EDU pricing on iPods.

The color palette is nearly identical to the original mini lineup, which was a runaway hit for Apple.

So now after a brief period of black and white, highly scratchable plastic enclosures, these colors are "too feminine"? Wow, that whole male anxiety thing is a moving target, ain't it?

I think the new Nanos are incredibly appealing, given their larger capacity, robust enclosures, brighter screens, improved battery life and added navigation niceties. It's hard to imagine that any of this would negatively impact sales.

My only complaint is that I would like to have silver and black in whatever model I'd like. If sales data suggests that that feeling is wide-spread, Apple can easily address this-- like, overnight.